INTRO
Rheumatic fever rates in New Zealand continue to rise, a developed country with levels of rheumatic fever similar to third world countries - with approximately 5.3 cases per 100, 000 people – almost five times the rate of meningococcal disease (King, 2015). Rheumatic fever is a complication of strep throat, it is dominantly a disease of economic deprivation, overcrowding and healthcare inequality (Sharpe, 2011). A key symptom associated with rheumatic fever is a sore throat, if left untreated it can lead to rheumatic heart disease and various other complications (Sharpe, 2011). At present, Maori and Pacific children and adults are most vulnerable – Maori children are approximately 20 times more likely to be hospitalized for rheumatic …show more content…
Rheumatic fever prevention and promotion is driven by many more aspects than just picking up children and adults with sore throats. The mobile health clinics will provide free access to medical care but if the care is not culturally competent than barriers to good health outcomes may still exist (Tiata, 2008). It is important to consider the influence of Maori and Pacific cultural values and beliefs when providing the rheumatic fever mobile health service. Pacific and Maori people tend to expect different things from health professions (Tiata, 2008). In terms of Maori health, the service providers including health professionals need to use the Treaty of Waitangi and apply its key principles to the care they provide - maintain a partnership between the Crown and Maori, participation of Maori in the rheumatic fever health promotion and provide active protective by putting in addition resources so that Maori are able to experience equitable health as non-Maori (Waa & Holibar & Spinola, 1998). In the Pacific culture dignity is a key element, if health professionals don’t reassure the patient that their dignity will be respected they may refuse to partake in certain procedures related to Rheumatic fever (Tiata, 2008). Mason Durie (2001) highlights that ‘the comfort individual’s feel with their use of health services reflects their
Rheumatic fever rates in New Zealand continue to rise, a developed country with levels of rheumatic fever similar to third world countries - with approximately 5.3 cases per 100, 000 people – almost five times the rate of meningococcal disease (King, 2015). Rheumatic fever is a complication of strep throat, it is dominantly a disease of economic deprivation, overcrowding and healthcare inequality (Sharpe, 2011). A key symptom associated with rheumatic fever is a sore throat, if left untreated it can lead to rheumatic heart disease and various other complications (Sharpe, 2011). At present, Maori and Pacific children and adults are most vulnerable – Maori children are approximately 20 times more likely to be hospitalized for rheumatic …show more content…
Rheumatic fever prevention and promotion is driven by many more aspects than just picking up children and adults with sore throats. The mobile health clinics will provide free access to medical care but if the care is not culturally competent than barriers to good health outcomes may still exist (Tiata, 2008). It is important to consider the influence of Maori and Pacific cultural values and beliefs when providing the rheumatic fever mobile health service. Pacific and Maori people tend to expect different things from health professions (Tiata, 2008). In terms of Maori health, the service providers including health professionals need to use the Treaty of Waitangi and apply its key principles to the care they provide - maintain a partnership between the Crown and Maori, participation of Maori in the rheumatic fever health promotion and provide active protective by putting in addition resources so that Maori are able to experience equitable health as non-Maori (Waa & Holibar & Spinola, 1998). In the Pacific culture dignity is a key element, if health professionals don’t reassure the patient that their dignity will be respected they may refuse to partake in certain procedures related to Rheumatic fever (Tiata, 2008). Mason Durie (2001) highlights that ‘the comfort individual’s feel with their use of health services reflects their